LOW LEVELS OF VITAMIN A CAUSE PROSTATE CANCER?

Working and almost finishing Part 3 of the prostate, this came to my attention and thought it good to share it with you.

SCIENTISTS DISCOVER LINK BETWEEN PROSTATE CANCER AND VITAMIN A

“A recent study published in the journal Nucleic Acids Research (Sept. 4 2012) has revealed that scientists, led my professor Norman Maitland from the University of York, have discovered a connection between vitamin A and prostate cancer. His research has found a particular prostate cancer gene that is under the control of retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A”.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/249907.php

Don’t panic…this is a relatively new report and there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information about it….I’m sure in the near future we’re going to definitely hear a lot more.

“Vitamin A is a fat-soluble compound [antioxidant], requiring fats and minerals for proper assimilation. Vitamin A consists of three biologically active molecules: retinol, retinal and retinoic acid. There are two forms of vitamin A, preformed vitamin A, (also called retinol and found in foods of animal origin) and provitamin A (derived from carotene, a pigment found in dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits). Beta-carotene is converted to usable vitamin A through the use of a hormone called thyroxine, produced by the thyroid gland…..when the diet lacks adequate vitamin A the body utilizes stores from the liver”. Barbara Bouyet

This very informative site and related topics, will help you to understand what retinoic acid is and its importance in the maintenance of our health. Retinol is also used in creams and gels for acne, skin-related problems and to reduce the look of wrinkles.

Vitamin A, an antioxidant, protects the body against infection and offers us a greater immunity to overcomes diseases, inflammation and illness. It is essential in the utilization of all vitamins and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorous. Vitamin A is important for the health of your eyes. Carotene is probably one of the best foods that is converted by the body, into vitamin A. It usually takes about 6-7 hours for it to be absorbed and converted to Vitamin A. A deficiency of vitamin A can cause eye problems (ie., night blindness, corneal ulcers), skin problems, fatigue, teeth and gum disorders, loss of appetite, reproductive problems and more….when in excess can cause nerve damage, bone and joint pain, headaches and in some cases birth defects.

If you are consuming a number of different food groups and various colors of fruits and vegetables, then you’re getting enough natural vitamin A in your diet without the need of a supplement.

Liver and fish also contain high levels of vitamin A – wild caught fish contains more of the omega oil 3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals – farmed fish float lazily around a pool and are mostly grain-fed and lacking in essential anti-inflammatory omega 3s. Our bodies are unable to produce essential fatty acids….we need these EFAs to help the body repair itself and create new cells.

Warning: If you are diabetic or have **thyroid problems—you may not be able to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. Apparently the hormone thyroxine, produced by the thyroid is needed to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A. Could this cause a higher incidence of prostate cancer?

**Your thyroid gland is like the gas pedal to your metabolism. Similar to the adrenals, it produces and releases more of its hormones during times of stress. If you’ve been under a lot of stress lately and find yourself exhausted to the point of feeling achy and depressed, you should get your thyroid checked. Without enough thyroxine, the thyroid has trouble absorbing iodine—this protects you from various types of radiation—known to cause cancer. Impotence can also be caused by an iodine deficiency, as well as irregular heart beat, hardening of the arteries, rapid pulse, nervousness, irritability, dry hair, obesity and even poor concentration.

“Worldwide, the number one cause of hypothyroidism is low iodine in the diet. Iodine is essential for the thyroid to produce hormone, as is tyrosine, a common amino acid that is broken down from protein but can also be manufactured by the body. Because both tyrosine and iodine are in fair abundance in most American diets, the common problem of low thyroid is most likely related to our compromised immune systems.” Nisha Jackson Ph.D.